Pneumatically actuated thread



Jan. 31, 1956 M. H. STANSBURY 2,732,364

PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED THREAD PROTECTOR Filed Oct. 9. 1953 wz-zmv/fw/z mwx PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED THREAD PROTECTOR This invention relates to a pneumatically actuated pipe thread protector whereby the threads of a stand of pipe are covered and protected from striking adjacent objects while the pipe is being moved from one place to another, such as in the drilling or production of an oil well where the pipe is moved from the rack to the bore of the well, or the like.

An object of my invention is to provide a novel pneumatically actuated pipe thread protector whereby an expansible boot or shield surrounds the threaded portion of the pipe, and this boot or shield is pressed inwardly against the pipe threads by pneumatic pressure.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel pipe thread protector of the character stated, in which the protecting shield or boot is provided with a pneumatic chamber, preferably of relatively small capacity, and the boot is provided with a pneumatic valve to enable air to be quickly passed into the pneumatic chamber. A quick release valve is also provided to permit the air to escape from the pneumatic chamber when it is desired to remove the boot or protector from the pipe.

A feature of my invention resides in the pipe thread pretector formed of expansible material, such as rubber, and which can be quickly and easily placed on the pipe and removed therefrom, as may be desired.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a novel pipe thread protector of the character stated, which is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and effective in use.

Other objects, advantages and features of my invention may appear from the accompanying drawing, the subjoined detailed description and the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my pneumatically actuated pipe thread protector positioned on a pipe.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view of my pneumatically actuated pipe thread protector shown in position on a pipe.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the stand of pipe 1 is provided with threads 2 which, in this instance, are external threads. It is these threads which are protected and which are prevented from being battered or otherwise injured while the pipe is moved from one place to another, as when a stand of casing is moved into an oil well derrick. My thread protector 3 consists of an annular ring or sleeve 4 which fits over the end of the pipe 1, substantially as shown. The sleeve 4 is approximately the same length as the threaded portion 2 of the pipe 1, and the outer end of the sleeve is turned or formed with aninward extension or projection 5 which may act as a shoulder to prevent the thread protector from moving too far over the threads 2, that is, it will aid in properly positioning the thread protector. The sleeve 4 is preferably formed of rubber, or synthetic rubber or plastics, and an annular chamber 6 is formed therein for the purpose of receiving air under pressure, as will be further described.

7 U ited StatCS The inner wall 7 of the sleeve 4 is materially thinner than the outer wall 8, the purpose of this being to insure that the inner wall 7 will be pressed inwardly against the threads 2 and will bear tightly against these threads, while the outer wall 8 will not swell outwardly. The outer wall 8 may also be reinforced with fabric layers 9 which may be embedded in the wall 8, or may be wrapped around the outside of the thread protector, as maybe found most expedient. "The inner wall'7 is not reinforced and will, therefore, flex inwardly and outwardly to effectively engage and disengage the threads 2. A metallic reinforcing ring 10 may also be provided at the inner end of the thread protector, substantially as shown, to prevent deformation of this part of the protector. A metallic protecting shoe 11 may be provided on the outer edge of the thread protector to prevent excessive wear on this portion of the protector, particularly when the pipe is being dragged into the derrick. The shoe 11 is molded with the rubber or plastic of the sleeve 4 and may be provided with inwardly projecting pins or nubbins 12 so as to provide a better bond between the metallic shoe 11 and the rubber sleeve 4.

An air valve 13 extends into the chamber 6 for the purpose of filling this chamber with air under considerable pressure. A quick release valve 14, of the manually actuated type, also extends into the annular chamber 6, and when this valve is opened, air is quickly released from the chamber 6 for the purpose of deflating the thread protector.

In operation the sleeve 4 is placed on the threaded end 2 of the pipe 1 and the thread protector is deflated when it is thus first positioned. An air hose is then attached to the valve 13 and air under considerable pressure is forced into the air chamber 6. The air will force the inner wall 7 of the sleeve 4 inwardly and will press this wall tightly against the threads 2. The air under pressure is maintained in the chamber 6, due to the valve 13. After the pipe 1 has been moved, as might be required and before this pipe is then used or threaded into another member, the workman will release the valve 14, thus permitting air to quickly escape from the chamber 6, thereby deflating the inner wall 7 and permitting the sleeve 4 to be'easily removed from the pipe stand 1 and may be subsequently reused. The shoe 11, being formed of metal, will prevent the softer rubber or plastic from being worn as the pipe is being dragged into the derrick, or elsewhere.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A pneumatically actuated pipe thread protector for the threaded ends of a pipe, comprising a sleeve, said sleeve extending throughout the entire length of the threaded area of the pipe and formed of a flexible material, said sleeve -C0mprising an outer wall and an inner wall defining an air chamber therebetween, said chamber being substantially equal in length to said sleeve and extending lengthwise thereof, reinforcing means in said outer wall to prevent distortion thereof, said inner wall being deflectable under air pressure to engage the pipe, said inner wall being of lesser thickness than the outer wall, an' air valve extending into said air chamber to permit introduction of air under pressure into the air chamber, and a quick acting release valve extending into the air chamber to permit quick release of air therefrom.

2. A pneumatically actuated pipe thread protector for the threaded ends of a pipe, comprising a sleeve, said sleeve extending throughout the entire length of the threaded area of the pipe and formed of a flexible material, said sleeve comprising an outer wall and an inner wall defining an air chamber therebetween, said chamber being substantially equal in length to said sleeve and extending lengthwise thereof, reinforcing means in said outer wall to prevent distortion thereof, said inner wall being deflectable under air pressure to engage the pipe,

3 said inner wallbeing of lesser thickness than "the outer well, an air valve extending into said air chamber t9 per mu introduction of air under pressure into the air chamher, and a quick acting release valve extending into the air chamber to permit quick release of air therefroxm and a metallic external shoe or; the -0ute'r end of'saidisleeve,

said shoe extending 'over the outer end iof the sleeve and also along the side thereof.

References Cited in-the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS R'e. mm Brownet a1. Sept. s, 1931 Kneuper Tuly 18, 1905 Avery July 10, 1923 Gunderman, June 1, 1927 Danner Apr. 30, 1946 Unke Sept. 26, 1950 Sperling July 3, 1951 Kaye Oct. 5, 1954 

